Violence Erupts in Lincolnville: A Scary Incident Unfolds
LINCOLNVILLE, S.C. — Imagine the sun setting, the streets gradually quieting down, and then an unsettling series of gunshots ringing out. That’s exactly what happened here on the evening of September 26th. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they have made an arrest in this concerning case. An 18-year-old local man named Sencere Vonteay Lee Gilliard, from nearby Summerville, was taken into custody on Thursday following reports of gunfire.
The Scene of the Incident
Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and West Broad Street just before 5 in the evening. The air was thick with tension when deputies rushed to the location after receiving a call about someone shooting at a vehicle. To make things even more alarming, another call came in shortly after, indicating shots had also been fired near Lincolnville Road and Ladson Road.
When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they managed to spot a vehicle that matched the description given in the emergency calls. Authorities executed what is known as a felony stop, which is a heightened procedure used for serious incidents. They quickly apprehended the driver, who turned out to be Gilliard.
A Startling Discovery
But the alarming situation didn’t stop there. As officers conducted a search of Gilliard’s vehicle, they made a shocking discovery — an infant was found unrestrained in the front passenger seat. The presence of a child in such a dangerous situation raised immediate concerns, prompting deputies to call in the Department of Social Services to evaluate the child’s safety. This irresponsible action added another layer of gravity to the already serious charges being leveled against Gilliard.
The Charges Filed Against Gilliard
After the arrest, Gilliard was hit with a slew of serious charges including attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, child endangerment of a minor in the vehicle, and several others related to domestic violence and firearm laws.
In fact, the charges against him are as follows:
- Attempted murder
- Possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime
- Child endangerment of a minor in a vehicle
- Pointing and presenting a firearm at a person
- Discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle
- Domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature
- Unlawful carrying of a weapon
The Aftermath
Following his arrest, Gilliard was booked at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, where he will remain until further proceedings. This incident has sparked conversations around safety, gun laws, and the importance of responsible behavior, especially concerning the welfare of children. Highlighting that Lincolnville isn’t without its troubles, this situation exemplifies the pressing issues the community faces today.
Community Response
Residents are understandably shaken by this disturbing turn of events. While Lincolnville prides itself on its family-oriented atmosphere, incidents like this shake that foundation. Community leaders are coming together to discuss preventive measures and how to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Safety is a shared responsibility, and community members are urged to stay vigilant.
As the investigation unfolds, it’s important for everyone to foster a sense of community and support one another. No one wants to see a situation like this repeat itself. Law enforcement continues to emphasize the necessity of reporting suspicious activities, because together, we can build a safer Lincolnville.